CANNABIS CULTURE – Former President Donald Trump’s list of last-day pardons included 12 people imprisoned for non-violent cannabis offenses, some of who were under life-without-parole sentences. 

Last Prisoner Project Executive Director and General Counsel, Sarah Gersten said in a press release that the act was, “…further evidence of the overwhelming bipartisan support for broad-based cannabis policy reforms.”

Corvain Cooper, 41, was sentenced to life without parole for distribution of marijuana and money laundering. Cooper has served more than 7 years in prison. Upon release, he plans to take care of his family and work for his local church.

Cooper told CAN-DO Clemency, “When the judge tells you that you have a life sentence, it feels as if you actually have a death sentence. For that is what it actually is, a natural death sentence.”

John Knock, 73, was sentenced to life in prison for a marijuana conspiracy charge. In prison, he was known as the professor and has taught various classes on exercise, construction, and meditation. He plans on living in Philadelphia.

Ferrell Damon Scott, 56, was sentenced to life without parole for conspiracy and possession of marijuana. Acting United States Attorney Sam Sheldon wrote he strongly does not believe a life sentence was warranted for Scott, who has served 11 years. According to CAN-DO Clemency, Scott plans to be with his family and start his own business.

Anthony DeJohn was sentenced to life in prison for conspiracy to distribute marijuana. DeJohn has served 13 years. DeJohn has employment and housing available upon release and will be reunited with his wife and two children.

Michael Pelletier, 64, was sentenced to 30 years for conspiracy to distribute marijuana. Pelletier, who has served 12 years, is an artist that works with oil paints on canvas. He has employment and housing with his brother upon release. 

Craig Cesal, 61, was sentenced to life in prison for leasing two tractor-trailers to smugglers driving from Mexico across the Texas border into Georgia. “I never received any direct revenue from marijuana,” Cesal told Chicago Sun-Times. He plans to live with his daughter and hopes to play a role in her wedding. 

Brian Simmons was sentenced to 15 years for conspiracy to manufacture and distribute marijuana. He has served 5 years and upon release, he will be supported by his fiancée and community.

Lynn Barney was sentenced for distributing a small amount of marijuana along with a firearm charge.

James Romans was sentenced to life without parole for conspiracy to distribute marijuana. Romans has served 10 years. A father and grandfather, he has secured a job and is looking forward to returning home to his family.

Jonathon Braun was sentenced to 10 years for conspiracy to import marijuana and money laundering. He has served 5 years and will be reunited with his wife and children.

Way Quoe Long, 58, was sentenced to 50 years for conspiracy to manufacture marijuana and distribute. During his 22-year incarceration, he got his GED and will be reunited with his family who will support his reintegration into society.

Noah Kleinman, 45, was sentenced to nearly 20 years for distributing marijuana. Kleinman has served 6 years. He is looking forward to living with his father, working for the family business, and caring for his children.

There are an estimated 40,000 individuals still serving time for cannabis-related offenses. Gersten stated LPP looks forward to working with the Biden administration “…to create a more formal process for expediting the consideration of similar cases.”

If you would like to donate through LPP to recently-released individuals to help with reentry, please visit: Donate to Last Prisoner Project Support Fund